Lunch for New Premier of Niue

May I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the Realm of New Zealand - English, Maori, Cook Island Maori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language. Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the afternoon (Sign)

May I specifically greet you: Hon Toke Talagi, Premier of Niue and your wife, Mrs Fifitaloa Talagi; Your Excellency Sisilia Talagi, Niue's High Commissioner to New Zealand; Hon Laumanuvao Winnie Laban, Minister of Pacific Island Affairs; David Payton, Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade's Special Relations Unit;; and other distinguished guests.

It is with pleasure that my wife Susan and I welcome you to Government House Wellington today. 

As Governor-General, I am very conscious that "New Zealand" in a constitutional sense is more than just mainland New Zealand and its offshore islands.

It is for this reason that I open every speech not only with greetings in English, Maori and New Zealand Sign Language, but also Niuean, Cook Island Maori and Tokelauan for I am called on to serve all parts of the Realm family in equal measure.

It was with particular pleasure therefore that early in the term we travelled to Niue in April 2007—the first official overseas visit to be made since being appointed.

It was a truly memorable visit. Travelling with us on the RNZAF aircraft were many of the sons and daughters of Niue - many young New Zealand Niueans who we were pleased to be able to bring home to see the Niue of today.

The visit was packed with many activities. I well remember the flag raising ceremony in front of the Fale Fono where the torrential rain seemed determined to blot out my speech, as well as the many who, unlike our party, were unable to shelter from the heavens as they unleashed a true Niuean welcome!

It was with pride that I  became the first Governor-General to address the Niue Assembly on that day.  I also visited the island's primary school and hospital and the last stages of a weaving symposium where the beauty of New Zealand and Niue's rich weaving traditions were so proudly demonstrated.

The visit was followed by a community reception at Government House Auckland in July attended by many of the sons and daughters, as well as the grey hairs, of Niue. It is important to acknowledge both those who have given so much for the wider family of Niue and those who have so much to give.

New Zealand and Niue are bound together by our shared experience since 1901. We may see this relationship from differing perspectives but I consider it exceptionally close and warm. We are bound together by the commitments made at the time of self-government. Let us always remember that there are commitments on both sides. There are commitments by New Zealand to support Niue's needs. Equally there are commitments by Niue to accept shared values.

The years ahead, while building on those commitments,  will enable the relationship to evolve. It is much more than the common citizenship we share. It is a bond of family, of history and of a vision for a shared future.

More than 22,000 people of Niuean descent now call New Zealand home, with most living in Auckland, and particularly Manukau City in South Auckland.

In visiting Niue I gained a deeper sense of the values that underpin Niuean culture, particularly its robust work ethic and strong sense of family and community.

I also came to understand the challenges faced by Niue and especially by those called to lead it. You have been given the opportunity to head one of the smallest and most vulnerable communities in the Pacific island region. Niue's challenges are many.

I also know that you have made clear in your first weeks in office that you have every intention of tackling those challenges in a resolute manner. I commend your commitment to Niue and its people.

It is for this reason that I commend to you the wider "family of Niue", the greatest portion of whom live here in New Zealand. I regularly have the privilege to meet them in my many duties. They are a talented community, keen to be called upon to support the "Rock of Polynesia".

New Zealand continues to be enriched by its Niuean community. One of the greatest challenges for you and your government is ensuring they know that Niue will always have a "welcome home" sign out for them and that their wish to have a foot firmly planted both in New Zealand and in Niue will always have your full support.

Many of Niuean descent living in New Zealand have achieved considerable success.  As you well know, they include among them musician Che Fu, actors Shimpal Lelisi and Stephanie Tauevihi, sportsmen Frank Bunce and Piri Weepu and, of course, Dr Colin Tukuitonga, who has been so prominent in Pacific issues and public health and who now serves as Chief Executive of the Ministry of Pacific Islands Affairs.  These are but some of the Niuean New Zealanders who demonstrate the breadth of accomplishment born of this community. As you seek to tie them to their "home island" I want you to know you have my full support and encouragement.

Nothing shows the true meaning of commitment more than adversity. I don't pretend to understand what Niueans experienced on that terrible day in January 2004 when Cyclone Heta struck. What I do know is that New Zealand was first to show its commitment, not only for the immediate suffering but also for the long term regeneration of the island as a living and dynamic community. In the three and a half years since, we have worked to help you restore Niue to full strength. The Halavaka Arrangement signed by New Zealand's Prime Minister and your predecessor in October 2004 is clear testimony to that ongoing commitment.

Next month Niue will have an opportunity to show the wider region just how it has recovered when you host the Pacific Island Forum. I am sure it will be a great success and reinforce Niue's place in the Pacific.

Premier Talagi, you have been elected by the Niue Assembly to serve your people as the Head of its Government.  It is a great responsibility and I am sure that you, and your Ministers, are keen to not only face the challenges, but also embrace opportunities that lie ahead.

As both Governor-General of New Zealand and of Niue, I congratulate you on your election and warmly welcome you to New Zealand in your first official visit as Premier of Niue. 

On that note, I will I close in New Zealand's first language Maori by offering everyone greetings and wishing you good health and fortitude in your endeavours.

No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.